MONTE VISTA –The Saguache-Upper Rio Grande Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is accepting project proposals for work that enhances forest ecosystems or restores and improves land health and water quality. The deadline for submitting project proposals has been extended to Nov. 16, 2020.Potential project areas include the Rio Grande, San Juan, San Isabel, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests and other nearby lands in Conejos, Hinsdale, Rio Grande or Saguache counties. This extension is a result of a scheduled RAC meeting that occurred on Sept. 15, 2020, during which members were unable to review and recommend the earlier submitted projects due to procedural requirements. “This provides the opportunity for additional projects to be submitted,” said Martha Williamson, the designated federal official for the RAC. “We look forward to seeing additional projects that will benefit the participating counties.” The RAC works closely with U.S. Forest Service to recommend projects that will benefit forest health, fish, wildlife, soils, watersheds and other resources.

Projects must be developed in coordination with a Forest Service district ranger and county representative. Proposed projects must benefit the resources on the National Forests and comply with the National Environmental Policy Act. Projects can be completed by Forest Service personnel, through partnership agreements or by open bid contracting with individuals and corporations. Federal procurement and contracting regulations apply. Funds are available through Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. The purposes of the Act include making investments and creating employment opportunities through special projects that improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, implement stewardship objectives, or restore and improve public land health and water quality project proposal forms and instructions are available at: HTTPs://www.fs.usda.gov/main/riogrande/home . Under “Quick Links, “on the right-hand side, navigate to “Saguache-Upper Rio Grande RAC. ”The deadline to submit projects is Nov. 16, 2020. The RAC will review projects for possible funding at their next meeting, which is expected to be in late November or early December.

The meeting will be conducted completely in an online format with details to be provided on the forest’s dedicated RAC webpage listed above. The public is welcome to attend RAC meetings. For more information contact: Gregg Goodland, RAC Coordinator, at 719-588-7045or Martha Williamson, RAC Designated Federal Official, at 719-850-2356